We own a small hotel in Bangkok (Old Bangkok Inn) so we'd like to think we know a thing or two about how to run a small hotel. Kasem Island Resort was a great value in my opinion, Similar hotels in Phuket or Samui would be selling their rooms for baht 3,000+ - however, the starting rate at Samed Villa is a mere baht 1,500 for their "read-end" rooms, a bargain considering their location and setting. We got their "superior sea-view rooms" for baht 2,300, which is the same layout as most rooms but set adjacent to the sea. Positives - The night we went, the hotel was packed full, yet all the staff were attentive and service was flawless. The staff were all friendly, professional, personable but not "over-trained" as in 5 star hotels. Food at the beach front restaurant was fresh, tastety and affordable. - The location of the hotel is ideal as it is walking distance to Sai Kaew beach (where all the restaurants and activities are) but it rests in the far east end of Ao Pai (Pai Cove) where is is more quiet and secluded. - Rooms have everything you would expect, nice bed (perhaps a little too firm by Western standards), hot water, good lighting and outdoor lounge chairs for watching the waves. The hotel also has affordable two bed-room family suites so it would be an attractive destination for those with children. The...We own a small hotel in Bangkok (Old Bangkok Inn) so we'd like to think we know a thing or two about how to run a small hotel. Kasem Island Resort was a great value in my opinion, Similar hotels in Phuket or Samui would be selling their rooms for baht 3,000+ - however, the starting rate at Samed Villa is a mere baht 1,500 for their "read-end" rooms, a bargain considering their location and setting.

We got their "superior sea-view rooms" for baht 2,300, which is the same layout as most rooms but set adjacent to the sea.

Positives

- The night we went, the hotel was packed full, yet all the staff were attentive and service was flawless. The staff were all friendly, professional, personable but not "over-trained" as in 5 star hotels. Food at the beach front restaurant was fresh, tastety and affordable.

- The location of the hotel is ideal as it is walking distance to Sai Kaew beach (where all the restaurants and activities are) but it rests in the far east end of Ao Pai (Pai Cove) where is is more quiet and secluded.

- Rooms have everything you would expect, nice bed (perhaps a little too firm by Western standards), hot water, good lighting and outdoor lounge chairs for watching the waves.

The hotel also has affordable two bed-room family suites so it would be an attractive destination for those with children.

The in-house Thai massage was excellent and of great value. At 350 baht / hour this is the same price you would pay for a massage in downtown Bangkok.

Tips:

- If you are look to save a bit of money, book the rear-end rooms or their garden rooms. Its 20-30 % cheaper than the sea-view rooms, have the same layout and are in fact a little more quiet. If you do decide to get the sea-view rooms, do ask for rooms A8 or A9 so you are furthest away from the restaurant and the noise from the beach parties.

- Come by speedboat (White shark) which drops you directly in front of the hotel instead of using the ferry - you save time and the hassle of having to transfer to a crowded pick-up truck. Samed island is a national park so foreigners have to pay an entrance fee of 200 baht vs 40 baht for Thais (as of August 2012), guests who come by speed boat often do not have to pay this fee as the park rangers do not have the resources to comb the beach to collect fees.

- Book early and try to avoid weekends. During the weekends there is a surcharge of 300 baht to encourage guests to come on weekdays when its less busy.

Bottom-line, come... you won't be dissapointed! :)More